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Ask HN: My country is getting worse. Where to go?

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Re: Ask HN: My country is getting worse. Where to go?

#31

Post by sgallant »

peacemaker wrote: post #16

As other posters have pointed out, getting to another country is likely to be very difficult for you right now so my advice is to think about what you can do where you are to improve your situation. It seems to me that the answer to your problems is money. Yes, I know that can seem obvious but if you have a goal to earn western wages while living on Indonesian costs you should be able to save a fair bit. This means y…

I agree with most of this, but if you like programming and front-end development, I would suggest you focus on getting REALLY good at that first. Optimize for learning and master your craft. If you become among the top 5% - 10% of front-end devs in Indonesia by the time you're 30, you will have many options.

I would get some formal computer science education while working for a startup where you can get relevant experience with modern technologies and improve your team-work skills. Don't optimize for money now, optimize for mastery. Fortunately, software development is among the most lucrative professions on the planet and you like it.

Fast-forward 5-10 years and your chances of landing a great job in US, Canada, etc would be dramatically improved. Many experienced React Devs make 90,000/year+ in the US [1].

* EDIT: also, if you want to work in an English-speaking country, mastering the English language would help too (you may already have this ability).

Good luck! You got this!

1. https://stackoverflow.com/jobs/salary/results?l=United+State...

Re: Ask HN: My country is getting worse. Where to go?

#32

Post by abtinf »

From what I have read about Japan, it is a deeply tribalist and racist country with extensive government controls that has led to nearly 3 decades of continuous stagnation. I would not move there. I could be completely wrong and do not have first hand experience with that culture.

Have you considered Singapore or Hong Kong?

Re: Ask HN: My country is getting worse. Where to go?

#35

Post by lowlevel »

smt88 wrote: post #4

I'm not an expert on this, but I heard once that even foreigners can get free college tuition in Germany. That might be wrong or inaccessible to you for some reason, but I think leaving your country by attending college would be ideal.

Second hand knowledge, but I seem to think it was free for Germans, and they're expected to stay in the country something like 4 years after finishing.

Re: Ask HN: My country is getting worse. Where to go?

#36

Post by lost_at_sea »

I have travelled in Indonesia and I'm Canadian. I've worked in tech for a long time and I've lived in Japan. I've met an engineer from Indonesia who immigrated to Canada about 10 years ago.

So, a few things. Indonesia has progressed very well over the past 20 years and that is likely to continue. From a low base though.

Between Canada and Japan, Canada is a better choice unless you already speak Japanese. Japan is not fond of foreigners while Canada is full of foreigners.

You can apply directly to immigrate to Canada. There's a "point system" that determines if you qualify. Your English seems to be very good so that's a big thing in your favour. No university degree is a big impediment.

It can be very difficult to get a first job in Canada when you don't have experience.

It seems to me that Singapore might be a better option. At least in the short term. Pay is higher than in Canada or Japan, Singapore is desperate for immigrants and it's right next door.

Re: Ask HN: My country is getting worse. Where to go?

#37

Post by AJ007 »

seer wrote: post #27
richsaunders wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I am not thinking about starting a business or founding start-up. I just want to move to a better place. I honestly don't like my country. > b) Illegally migrate to another country. Well, I don't want to break the law. If I have a chance I want to move legally. But as you can say, given my background the chances are very slim. > c) Migrate within your country to a better comunity. ... If you succeed here another opti…

I can simpathise with your desires and calculations - I’ve been there myself. While the country I’ve lived in (part of the USSR) was not that bad, back when the change was happening it really felt like the only rational decision was to flee west. Due to some unfortunate buerocratic mishaps I was forced to stay. And 20 years later here I am - still in the same country, while companies are offering me to relocate and h…

I would add, if you remain in your home country, and you aren’t that confident in that countries’ future, keep your extra earnings in foreign currency and assets. That way, you can hedge against getting screwed in the event of a currency crises or revolution. I have contract workers all over the world and I encourage them to do this.

Re: Ask HN: My country is getting worse. Where to go?

#39

Post by thisismyusernam »

You seem smart and honest and I hope it works out for you. I also feel that my country is getting worse, and I also don't know where to go, but I live in a "first-world" country (UK) and have relatively high wealth for my age thanks to starting my own company 7 years ago (when I was in my early 20s) and having decent luck with it. But I also want to get out, and some facts about my life and minority status make it quite difficult to know where I will be physically safe and generally happy. Just wanted to share a similar perspective from a very different situation.

Re: Ask HN: My country is getting worse. Where to go?

#40

Post by verelo »

lost_at_sea wrote: post #36

I have travelled in Indonesia and I'm Canadian. I've worked in tech for a long time and I've lived in Japan. I've met an engineer from Indonesia who immigrated to Canada about 10 years ago. So, a few things. Indonesia has progressed very well over the past 20 years and that is likely to continue. From a low base though. Between Canada and Japan, Canada is a better choice unless you already speak Japanese. Japan is no…

All this is true, but as someone who moves to Canada, I’d encourage you to have a plan for housing. Big cities are tough, and $1000 is barely enough for a month of renting a room (if you can find one that is). You’re probably going to be asked for first and last months rent upon lease signing, so you’ll need a minimum of $1500 just to live for your first 30 days, assuming you can quickly earn money to eat. I also think Canada requires proof of funds up to something like $5000 CAD (although I’ve never been asked, or known anyone that was asked).
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